Francesco Chicchi's time has arrived at the Settimana Coppi e Bartali . The Androni - Sidermec rider took the first victory of the season by making a masterful sprint at the finish in Crevalcore . 

It is an overwhelming joy for the Tuscan who had a difficult winter, with trouble finding a new contract. 

"I am very happy," he told Spaziociclismo. "Unfortunately, today was the only time you could get a classic sprint because I suffered on the climbs on the first day. The race was managed to perfection as we had Galviz in the break,, allowing us to stay quiet until the end. In the end the team was perfect with Frapporti who led me to the wheel of Belletti with 700 meters to go. He had to start too early and I was able to pass hm."

  
It is an important success not only in terms of racing but also from the mental point of view. 

"More than a win it is a big relief," he said. "Since last Ocober I have had a rage inside me. Fortunately I found a nice environment which welcomed me in a good way." 

Chicchi can now focus on the upcoming races in Belgium. On Tuesday he will be at the start of the 3 Days of De Panne and then ride the Tour of Flanders and the Scheldeprijs , one of the most important races for the sprinters.